McGuinness appeals to Taoiseach to intervene to end political
harassment

Sinn Fein Chief Negotiator and MP for Mid Ulster Martin
McGuinness this morning made a direct appeal to the Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern to personally intervene to bring an end the campaign
of political harassment being orchestrated by the Gardaí in Kerry
against Sinn Fein attempts to get Martin Ferris elected as TD for
the area."

Mr. McGuinness said:

"Over the last number of weeks we have seen the Gardaí in Kerry
orchestrating a campaign of political harassment against Sinn
Fein members in the county. Today's arrest of Sinn Fein Ard
Chomhairle member Martin Ferris is an outrageous politically
motivated attack on Martin personallyand Sinn Fein in general and
he should be released immediately.

"These arrests are an attack on the democratic rights of Sinn
Fein and are a direct interference in the party's preparations
for the upcoming elections. Clearly there are questions to be
answered in terms of the timing and motivation of these arrests,
particularly as they are occurring less than eight weeks out from
an election.

"I am making a direct appeal to the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to
personally intervene to bring an end the campaign of political
harassment which is being orchestrated by the Gardaí in Kerry
against Sinn Fein attempts to get Martin Ferris elected as TD for
the area".